DSASTX partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Aug. 4 for a fun morning of fishing for Down syndrome children 17 and younger and their male caregivers. The event was followed by a barbecue lunch and prizes.

“(DADS) is an organization where the dads can take care of each other,” explained Terri Mauldin, executive director.

“So often the mother takes care of the child while the father is earning a living and doesn't get to connect as much as he may like to. This is a way for them to talk to other dads and spend some time with their child.”

Zach Edwards, who took his 2-year-old daughter Kinley to the event, said the trip was a much-needed break.

Edwards, who is, with Anderson, one of the founders of DADS, said that many parents don't understand the strain special-needs parents often suffer silently. Particularly the fathers.

“You get several things out of the Down Syndrome Association events, (and one of them is) a sense of fellowship,” Edwards said.

“You get to meet a huge range of age groups. There are guys with new babies who have Down syndrome, and I feel I can help them. But then there are guys with teenagers or adult children that give me something to aspire to. Knowing someone else has been through it is so helpful.”

He added, while most parents are anxious about safety and sunscreen protection on a typical fishing trip, parents of Down syndrome children, have different concerns on their minds.

“We have to worry about stereotypical things like school and about people being nice. And our kids tend to get other illnesses easier,” Edwards said.

“These outings are a way for us to get together and feel it's a normal thing. You may not know if a kid has autism by looking at them,” he added. “Our kids have DS and, you know, you still get some stares or people moving away quickly. It's noticeable — and that stuff hurts.

“With this type of event, it's a place we can go and not be worried about inclusion. You're already accepted, and you don't have to worry about it.”

While the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas offers support groups and information for families for DS children of all ages, Anderson is quick to point out the DADS outings aren't typical “chatty support groups.”

“We're not a support group. We're a group of dads with the same needs and likes,” he explained.

“We try to organize events that help us share our common bonds as fathers. We try to do things to help our families out,” Anderson said.

Jens Hansen, whose 8-year-old son Nikolaj was more interested in playing in the river than fishing in it, laughed it off.